In reply to Stani49:
> Don't approach shoes have a much thicker and tougher sole than trainers though? Am I wrong to think that normal trainers have a spongier, cushioned heel which absorbs shock better than approach shoes?
>
> How long do you find yours last?
Approach shoes are designed for walking, running trainers are designed for running so I don't generally wear them for walking about the village. I have had foot issues which have been part remedied by wearing decent approach shoes for daily wear.
I find approach shoes last me 12-18 months of being used pretty much every day. I think the foam in trainers degrades quicker and so you would only get 6 months out of using road trainers, and I have heard a shop assistant say they need changing every 12 months even if you hardly use them as the foam only has a shelf life of 12 months. But anyway, I generally only run in trainers (the exception being the bits of a run/orienteer I walk!).